Hello Gang!
Today, we are pleased to introduce Christophe, our surf instructor in Biscarrosse who has pushed the limits of the waves and who shares with us his unwavering love for surfing on a daily basis.
Let yourself be carried away by his stories, his advice and his deep connection with the ocean.
Hi Tophe, can you introduce yourself to the Gang community?
My name is Christophe, my nickname is Tophe.
I have lived in Bisca since the age of 8, I have always oriented my professional career by the water, I have been a lifeguard, I have owned several surf shops and I have been a surf instructor since I was 21.
I was fortunate to travel because my parents chose the life of expatriates, which allowed me to meet other communities and heighten my sense of curiosity.
How and when did you start surfing?
My parents loved going to the beach. My brother and I didn't like football, but it was when we saw people having fun in the water that we wanted to start surfing.
It took up a lot of space in my life, but it wasn't always easy. To learn, there was no school, no internet. We managed on our own, watching other surfers and looking at magazines, but we only had photos to learn from.
The first time I saw a surfing competition I thought "wow, that's what surfing is all about," it was a revelation and an awakening to the path ahead.
What is your vision of surfing?
It's a sport, but not only that. It's a special relationship with the ocean. You have the sporting aspect and the unusual aspect.
From a sporting perspective, it's a demanding sport, not easy to grasp. But it's a complete sport in terms of physical fitness, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health.
On the atypical side, it's a whole relationship with the ocean. The freedom to be part of something, to become one with the element and to develop a deep knowledge of the environment.
A good surfer is someone who has the technical skills and knows their environment well.
What are the benefits of surfing for you?
It's enriching from a teaching perspective. You have an impact on people's progress, you meet people from different backgrounds, it's truly constructive. They're just as interested in sharing with us as we are with them. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they stand up on a wave is a real joy. Sharing is clearly one of the benefits of surfing.
It also allows you to leave your problems on the beach, to focus on something else; it's a moment of freedom and meditation, a unique moment with yourself... and also to lose those few kilos gained during the winter, haha!
How long have you been working with the Gang?
It's been 7 years since I started as an instructor and now I'm more involved in the development of this school with which I share my values.
What do you like about working with the Gang?
Fun fact: I employed the school's founder in my stores and taught him to surf. Now he's my boss and a very good surfer. I'm proud of him; the student has surpassed the teacher.
It's a privileged relationship to work together and share our values.
It is also a school where I find a family atmosphere, authentic and passionate people, from the reception staff to the instructors on the beach.
Becoming a surfer quickly makes you realize how rapidly our environment is deteriorating. At our level, we can have a direct impact. Of course, we can't change the world, but if everyone gets involved, things can change and evolve in a positive way. It's partly thanks to our way of sharing this that people become aware, and that's the spirit of the Gang!
Do you have any advice for our future surfers?
This isn't really advice, but rather a statement of fact. Be prepared for all kinds of surprises, there are no rules in learning to surf. You can be a top-level champion and still not be able to get up, but you can also be completely unathletic and still get up at the first sign of trouble!
Thank you Ocean Breath for his interview.
